|
| As a career changer myself, I'd figure I'd give my $.02.
I came to the IT field from the Air Force with a MS in
Computer Information Systems and very similiar anetedotal
programming experience like you described. To answer your
questions though. It costs $500 in exams (plus what ever
books/training you want to use) and depending on how
earnestly you want to prepare, I'd say it take about a 1.5
to 2 months to take all the test.
That being said, unless we have another .com boom, you
have a friend that can hook you up with a job, or are
willing to go completely entry-level, it may be extremely
difficult to find a DBA job. Small to mid size companies
roll-up their DBA's with their network admins, and larger
companies right now won't hire folks without a few year's
experience even with a MCDBA.
I don't want to sound too negative. Anything is possible
if you want it bad enough. I just want to let you know
that you may need to be prepared to sacrifice A LOT if you
truly want to change careers at this point in you life.
An MCDBA is a good start, but I honestly don't think it
will open any doors for you. Your other good qualities
will do that.
>-----Original Message-----
>Hello, I am looking for some insight/guidance/advice.
>
>Background:
>I am a licensed professional civil engineer (PE) working
in the
>environmental field (11 years). I have been working with
computers
>since '89. I learned GWBASIC during college and even
wrote some simple
>programs after college to aid in work. I kinda liked
programming. I
>also took a fortran class but don't remember any of it. I
am the person
>people (friends/family) come to when they have any type
of computer
>related issue.
>
>-I am self-taught in many software programs (AutoCAD,
Word, Excel,
>WordPerfect, QuattroPro, engineering specific programs,
and now working
>on Access).
>-I consider myself a good learner when supplied with a
good book.
>-I consider myself to be a good "troubleshooter". I do it
for work
>related issues and computer related issues (hardware,
software,
>networking).
>-Built (ie. assembled) 3 computers.
>-I have owned and operated my own company (for 3 years)
and worked
>mostly for consulting companies. So, I know what it is
like to work
>long hours.
>-I finally installed Linux (RH) for the heck of it.
Other than some USB
>issues, it went OK.
>-Currently make >$80k/yr
>
>Interests:
>I knew one IT professional (network admin for local,
large county tax
>appraisal office). Based on what he knew of me, he
thought I would be a
>good DB administrator. This was 2 years ago.
>
>For the past year, I have started working w/ MS Access.
I didn't
>realize how powerful database programs could be. I had
big hopes of
>creating an Access database application to track
remediation system
>operational data. This data would be used to create
reports for a state
>agency. I was able to setup the tables, forms and some
reports but was
>unable to create the calculations I needed. Evidently,
it requires VBA.
>I am just know getting around to learning VBA. I am
starting with "MS
>Access 2k, VBA Fundamentals" (MS publication). I believe
I will need to
>move on to a bigger/better book (any recommendations?).
I find myself
>wanting to spend all of my time working on this project
(non-billable).
>
>I also have interests in networking, but other than
setting up simple
>routers, I don't know what exactly is involved.
>
>I have started reading/researching certifications. I can
not tell if
>you need an actual 4yr IT/MIS/CS degree prior to even
thinking about
>obtaining some certifications.
>
>I have also looked at training centers. I know there is
a New Horizons
>and TechSkills here in San Antonio. (I live north of
SA). Based on what
>I've found so far, these places are hit or miss. Some
have good
>instructors and others do not. I don't know there
pricing structure
>either. I haven't read to much positive about on-line
places either
>(ie. smartcertify). I am wondering if I can self-teach
myself
>something?
>
>I do know a DB Admin in Dallas. I guess I should pick
her brain a
>little.
>
>All this said/written, I guess I am leaning towards DB
admin or DB
>development.
>
>What is involved (time, money) in getting a MCDBA or an
Oracle
>equivalent?
>
>I know I won't be able to make the kind of money I make
now, but I could
>freelance the engineering work while learning something
new. How long
>would it take to get back up to the $70k salary range?
>
>There are many more questions, but I'll stop here for now.
>Any web page references would also be appreciated. I
guess I need to
>get an idea of what a DBA or DB developer does day-to-day.
>I hope this is an appriopriate forum for this post.
>
>Thanks,
>DM
>txpe@satx.rr.com
>.
>
|
|